[2024 Maizhokunggar Attraction] Travel Guide for Chuanzang Highway (Updated Dec)
Roads/Highways
Address:
Chuanzang Hwy, Chengguan Qu, Lasa Shi, Xizang Zizhiqu, China
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
3-5 days
Retrace the 318 in Western Sichuan
⛱️Must-see attractions: The 318 in Western Sichuan is full of beautiful scenery and stories. Starting from the Chengdu Plain, you will soon enter the mountains and the Western Sichuan Plateau. The first pass of Kham, Zheduo Mountain, will soon appear before you. The viewing platform here has changed a lot compared to ten years ago. After Zheduo Mountain, you will reach your first stop, Xinduqiao, which is very lively and convenient for resupply. Then head north to Ganzi, Dege, and Seda.
I traveled this road to Litang and Daocheng Yading ten years ago. It is truly a magnificent national highway!
🌄Travel tips: Don't eat too much spicy food on your first day in Chengdu to avoid altitude sickness. There are many people taking photos at the Zheduo Mountain viewing platform, and traffic jams are common. Bad weather can make traffic jams worse. Check the weather before you leave, and set off from Chengdu early to reach and cross the Zheduo Mountain pass as soon as possible.
🏨Accommodation tips: Xinduqiao has many accommodation options, including various budget hotels. Some hotels also provide paid oxygen, which can help relieve altitude sickness.
💗Other tips: Western Sichuan is a plateau, so be aware of altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water to relieve altitude sickness. Protect yourself from the sun, as it can be very strong!
LOLA STEVENS
Driving the Sichuan-Tibet Line: Freedom on the Road, Accompanied by Stunning Scenery
Starting from the Sichuan-Tibet Line Zero Kilometer Self-Driving Base, the experience of driving the Sichuan-Tibet Line is undoubtedly an unforgettable journey. From the very beginning, I was captivated by the vast and boundless plateau scenery. The picturesque landscapes along the way, with majestic snow-capped mountains, verdant grasslands, and winding rivers, are filled with natural charm at every turn. The unique Tibetan culture further adds a rich cultural atmosphere to this trip.
Driving the Sichuan-Tibet Line, I felt an unprecedented sense of freedom and adventure. Although the road conditions can be quite challenging at times, it is precisely these challenges that make the journey more interesting and fulfilling. Along the way, I met many like-minded travelers, and we shared our stories and experiences. This connection between people made the trip even warmer. If you have the chance, give it a try. I believe you will also be deeply attracted by this mysterious and beautiful land.
TiffanyH
Sichuan-Tibet Self-Drive Tour Experience 318 Summer is here!
After the college entrance examination, the child has successfully secured the desired university, and our family decided to go on an impromptu trip, with the destination being the beautiful Sichuan-Tibet route. Self-driving is the best choice, we set off from Guangzhou, heading west along National Highway 318, feeling the magnificent scenery and unique culture of Sichuan-Tibet.
First stop: Chengdu - Food and Culture
Arriving in Chengdu, enjoy the charm of the city of gastronomy. Jinli Ancient Street, Kuanzhai Alley, and Chunxi Road are not to be missed, authentic Sichuan cuisine and snacks are a must-try! Recommend staying in hotels around IFS for convenient shopping.
Second stop: Ya'an - Hometown of Pandas
From Chengdu to Ya'an, get up close with the national treasure pandas at Bifengxia, the children will definitely like it. The natural scenery is beautiful, a good place to relax.
Third stop: Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park - Ice and Snow World
Hailuogou has magnificent glaciers and dense forests. Experience the glacier on foot
0n2KUXnn. Marvel at the spectacle, soak in the hot springs to relax. Stay overnight at Luanshi Yinshan Snow Mountain Gongmaxi Yin
Scenic Homestay, enjoy the snow-capped mountains and the stars.
Fourth stop: Kangding - Hometown of Love Songs
Go to Kangding, enjoy the romantic Love Song Scenic Area and Tibetan specialty food, feel the different ethnic customs.
Fifth stop: Xinduqiao - Photographer's Paradise
Xinduqiao is a paradise for photographers, grasslands, rivers, yaks, a snap is a beautiful scene. Stay one night, enjoy rural life.
Sixth stop: Litang - Magnificent Plateau Scenery
Continue to Litang, visit the Changqingchun Ke'er Temple, learn about Tibetan Buddhism culture, admire the plateau meadows and snow-capped mountains.
Seventh stop: Batang - Canyons and Hot Springs
Batang has unique canyon scenery and hot spring resources. The Cuopugou scenic area is pristine, with rich wildlife and flora. Soak in the hot springs, enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Eighth stop: Mangkang - Tranquil Town
Mangkang has a strong Tibetan atmosphere, visit Mangkang Temple, learn about religious culture. The natural scenery is beautiful, worth savoring.
Ninth stop: Ranwu Lake - Dreamy Lake
Ranwu Lake is dreamy, the lake water is clear, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests. Sit by the lake, feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
This self-drive tour allowed us to fully enjoy the magnificent scenery and unique culture of the Sichuan-Tibet route, and the child also experienced different regional customs. Each stop brought us surprises and emotions. Looking forward to the next trip!
Harper Walker%54
Ding! "So this is a service area," one must drive on G318 in this lifetime
"Apart from gas stations and toilets, there's only a convenience store"
Is this what you imagine a service area to be like?
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🐼The service area here has more "characteristics," and many netizens exclaimed, "So this is a service area"↓↓↓
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🐼The Shudao Yi Tianquan Service Area is located at K42+444 on the Yakang Expressway G4218 Yakang section, and is the nation's first service area to be certified with dual themes of "Giant Panda Cultural Theme" and "Highway Tourism Theme".
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🐼It operates more than 20 types of businesses, including RV self-driving campsites, Earth Warehouse accommodation camps, boutique camping sites, specialty foods, cultural and creative trendy goods, and local product exhibitions, attracting a large number of tourists and self-driving enthusiasts to stop by.
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🐼The Tianquan Service Area is the first stop on the popular self-driving route G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Here, self-driving equipment, travel souvenirs, specialty foods, rest and entertainment... while meeting the diverse needs of tourists, there are often unexpected surprises.
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🐼The Tianquan Service Area is mainly built around the two IPs of the Panda Homeland and G318 "National Highway." Some of the landmarks in the service area have also become popular spots for tourists to check in and take photos.
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🐼The Tianquan Service Area has also created a Sichuan-Tibet Highway Exhibition Hall to showcase the challenging construction process.
C1ph3r3d_W1tch3r
The Western Sichuan Big Loop
2024.4.30
The Western Sichuan Big Loop connects the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Southern Route and the G317 Sichuan-Tibet Northern Route, passing through snow-capped mountains, seas of clouds, grasslands, and lakes along the way. It was an unforgettable graduation trip for me.
I was amazed that six completely strangers from different places could get along so well, landing on the same land, embracing the wilderness and the sunshine with laughter and joy. The beginning of the story is always like this, coincidental and unexpected. The end of the story is always like this, flowers bloom on their own, each in different skies. At the end of the journey, we returned to where we started, but I found the answer I was looking for. If the connections between people are threads, meeting each other, our parallel lines intersect and touch, and then they go back to parallel, each heading to their own life's track. I watch your threads getting farther and farther away, and you tell me with your trails, there is no need to chase.
I hope I will always remember the blizzard when descending from Daocheng, someone was protecting me by my side; during every moment of altitude sickness, friends took care of me meticulously. On the way to Seda, playing the songs of Xu Wei; beside the streets of the ancient town, dazzled by the jewelry made of various colored jade; scattering the five-colored Lungta into the sky surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
I built a Mani stone pile by the babbling stream, and with each gust of wind, I prayed for you all. Lastly, borrowing the words of our team leader, 'Today we took eighteen turns on the heavenly road, wishing us from now on a smooth journey in life.'
agleam.brianna
318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway attractions, a must-drive in this lifetime!
👍Highly recommended:
The 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway is a famous tourist route with many beautiful attractions along the way. Here are some of the attractions:
✅Must experience:
Mount Gongga: Located on the Western Sichuan Plateau, it is known as the King of Shu Mountains. Its magnificent scenery can be admired from several viewing platforms along the route.
Xinduqiao: Located on National Highway 318, it is famous as the 'world of light and shadow' and is recognized by many photography enthusiasts as a 'photographer's paradise'. The scenery is most beautiful in summer and autumn.
Litang: The hometown of Ding Zhen, known as the 'City in the Sky'. The bright yellow buildings and the golden roof of the Changqing Chunke'er Monastery reflect each other in the sunlight, shining with devout Buddhist light.
Sister Lakes: Located between Litang and Batang counties, at an altitude of 4685 meters, it is a dazzling pearl on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway and the largest ancient glacial relic on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Maoya Grassland: Located in the Kham area, it is a natural pasture. The summer season is the golden time for tourism, surrounded by mountains, with endless green grass. There are many yaks and wildflowers here.
Cuopugou: Located within Batang County, it is an endless wetland grassland. Various wildflowers compete in beauty, and there are also the crystal-clear Zima Yongcuo and Kangzhulacuo lakes.
Nujiang 72 Turns: The section of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway with the largest altitude difference, with a rapid drop of nearly two thousand meters. It consists of continuous winding roads, presenting a great challenge.
Ranwu Lake: A barrier lake on the southern route of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, it is like a pearl forgotten by God on earth. The lake changes color with the seasons.
Laigu Glacier: One of the three largest glaciers in the world. The different forms of ice lakes and glaciers cleanse and purify the soul. In winter, you can walk 2 kilometers to reach the innermost part of the glacier to see the millennium blue ice.
Namjagbarwa: Known as the most beautiful snow peak in China, with an altitude of 7782 meters, it is covered with snow all year round and shrouded in clouds and mist. It does not easily reveal its true face. Its magnificent scenery can be viewed from places like the Sejila Mountain Pass and Sosong Village on the mountainside.
Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon: Located in the Linzhi region of Tibet
There are many more attractions worth seeing.
PassportAddict_99
Coming to Tibet, a place to cleanse the soul
Tibet is a legendary place for cleansing the soul. After being baptized by the 'holy land', it may change the course of one's life. Every year, countless cyclists cross the Sichuan-Tibet line to Tibet to temper their spirits and seek the true meaning of life; a large number of tourists carrying cameras come to this pure land to search for their souls and question the meaning of life; and there are those who trek dozens of miles a day to purify their inner selves here, away from the troubles of the mundane world.
CLARK HARDY
The eternal god of Western Sichuan~ A snow mountain journey on my life's list
Western Sichuan reveals different beauties in all four seasons
It's a place full of mystery and extremely healing
Western Sichuan is not far away, you can just go on a whim
Scarecrow Travel took me to meet three snow mountains and to savor a feast of snow-capped mountains amidst the clouds of Western Sichuan
RetreatToWellness
Self-driving tour guide from Chengdu to Lhasa on Route 318!
👍Most recommended:
National Highway 318 is one of the most beautiful scenic avenues in China, here is a self-driving tour guide for the 318 route from Chengdu to Lhasa:
🗓Itinerary:
Day 1: Chengdu—Ya'an—Tianquan—Luding—Kangding—Xinduqiao
Depart from Chengdu, take the Chengya Expressway to reach the "Rain City" Ya'an, drive along the beautiful Qingyi River until the towering Erlang Mountain, pass through the Erlang Mountain Tunnel, after experiencing the weather changes of Yin and Yang, arrive at the Dadu River valley, and then reach Luding, where you can visit the Luding Chain Bridge.
Continue on, cross the barrier of the Great Wall, Zheduo Mountain, and then arrive at Xinduqiao, known as the "world of light and shadow, a paradise for photography".
Day 2: Xinduqiao—Tagong—Litang
Get up early, take photos of the beautiful morning light in Xinduqiao, and if the weather is clear, you can shoot the "King of Shu Mountains" Gongga Snow Mountain, then set off for Tagong Grassland. The Tagong scenic area is mainly known for the towering Yala Snow Mountain, the rolling grasslands, and the glittering "Muya Stupa" on the grassland.
The scenic area includes Tagong Temple, Tagong Temple Pagoda Forest, Yala Snow Mountain, and other attractions. Tagong Temple is known as the "Little Jokhang Temple" and is one of the pilgrimage sites for Tibetans in the Kham area. After that, head to the Maoya Grassland in Litang.
Finally, arrive at Litang, known as the "World's High City" with an altitude of 4014 meters, which is the reincarnation place of the seventh and tenth Dalai Lamas.
Day 3: Litang—Mangkang
Depart from Litang, drive into the Haizi Mountain (4700 meters) surrounded by lakes, and rapidly descend to Batang County by the Jinsha River. Then drive to Zhutong to Mangkang County, which is the first county in Tibet.
Day 4: Mangkang—Zogang—Baxoi—Ranwu
Depart from Zogang to Bangda. At an altitude of 4400 meters, Bangda is the junction of the southern and northern routes of Sichuan-Tibet, say goodbye to the grasslands, cross the greatest natural barrier of the Hengduan Mountains, Nujiang Mountain, with a mountain pass at 4839 meters, and descend to the Nujiang River through the famous ninety-nine bends.
Day 5: Ranwu—Ranwu Lake—Laigu Glacier—Laigu Village—Bomi
Set off in the morning, pass through the lower Ranwu Lake, which has the reputation of Swiss scenery, and travel about 30 kilometers in the direction of Zayu to reach Ranwu Lake, a famous plateau glacier lake with an area of 15 square kilometers and an altitude of 3850 meters. Then head to Laigu Glacier, one of the three major glaciers in the world.
Day 6: Bomi—Tongmai—Lulang
Depart from Bomi County to the last natural barrier on the Sichuan-Tibet line, Tongmai. The 15-kilometer section from Tongmai to Pailong is filled with snow-capped mountains and rivers. After crossing the natural barrier, the road conditions improve. Pass through the forest-like Lulang, cross the Sejila Mountain with an altitude of 4702 meters, which is the best viewing platform for Mount Namjagbarwa.
After crossing Sejila Mountain, it's all downhill to the Niyang River valley downstream to Linzhi County, continue driving 19 kilometers to reach Bayi Town, the capital of Linzhi region, located on the banks of the Niyang River with an altitude of 2400 meters.
Day 7: Paitown—Zhaxigang—Bayi
Here you can not only enjoy the beautiful canyon scenery, the spectacular waterfalls of the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, the first of China's top ten canyons, the majestic snow-capped mountains, but also appreciate natural and cultural wonders such as the Buddha Palm Sand Dunes and the Welcoming Pine. Zhaxigang is the closest place to Mount Namjagbarwa in a straight line.
Day 8: Zhaxigang—Bayi Town—Mozhugongka County—Lhasa
Head to Mozhugongka County, enjoy the scenery of the Niyang River valley along the way, the primitive forests, and experience the true beauty of the mountains and clear waters. After crossing the Mila Mountain Pass at 5017 meters, arrive at Mozhugongka County and then head to Lhasa to check into a hotel.
NovaDreamchaser12
The journey is exhausting, but the scenery is breathtaking, and photos can hardly capture the true beauty!
To the unforgettable 2019
After taking the Lanxin High-Speed Train to Urumqi in July 2019, my yearning for the beautiful landscapes of my motherland was completely unleashed. Over the course of more than three months, I visited Ulanqab in Inner Mongolia; drove the Duku Highway alone, covering a total of 1500 kilometers; set out on the first day of the 317 highway opening to complete the Sichuan West Great Loop self-driving tour. I traveled from Highway 318 to 217 to Daocheng, and then from Seda back to Chengdu via Highway 317, covering nearly 2500 kilometers; joined a group tour around the Qinghai-Gansu Great Loop, covering nearly 3000 kilometers; and rushed to Jiuzhaigou at the beginning of November just after it reopened to witness its regal return. The journey was challenging, the scenery was stunning, and the true beauty is something that photos can hardly convey in full.
agleam.brianna
Shiqu County, Ganzi Prefecture, Zaxi Kawa
Shiqu, as the highest altitude and largest county in Sichuan, has been hidden in the northwest of Sichuan for thousands of years. This secluded city in the clouds can only reveal its tranquility and prosperity when you step in and personally lift its mysterious veil.
AsherMoonlight66
In this life, one must drive on the 318
📍In this life, one must drive on the 318|||Youth has no price, taking the western Sichuan route all the way down⛰️
Kangding📍The mysterious charm of the Tibetan area🏞️
The beautiful western Sichuan🏞️A scenery all the way, a painting all the way🎨What attracts people is not only the plateau⛰️, lakes🌊, snow mountains❄️ and other beautiful scenery along the way, but also the various legends on the 318 national road🤨
Really felt the 'eyes in heaven, body in hell'😀
Like every frame of scenery in front of my eyes;
Like every story in the lens~
Pick a time to get away from the city and go hiking, oxygenate, and feel nature with your loved one!
The clouds in the Tibetan area make me forget my worries, the snow mountains put away my troubles, leaving a belief that always runs towards the distance✈️The winding and tortuous Sichuan-Tibet line, crossing the continuous and magnificent Himalayas and Hengduan Mountains⛰️, is known as one of the highest and most challenging roads in the world🛣️
I keep recording because I think life is worth it🌿
JANELLE SWANSON
Spring in Linzhi has a date with you!
Bai Li peach blossoms are like a fairyland, Tibetan Linzhi peach blossoms one-
Promise you three lives, exchange you ten miles of peach blossoms. Go Sichuan-Tibet line, 318 most beautiful scenic avenue,
Today in mid-March, go to poetry and distant places. Sichuan-Tibet lineSichuan-Tibet line Peach Blossom Festival
Fredy Batz
318 Sichuan-Tibet line, a must for the first time into Tibet! Travel guide included
Heading to Tibet
This was my first bold and wild choice after graduating from university!
After experiencing it, I fell into the desire to go again🫣
So, I set off again
First stop Tagong Grassland
Away from the noise of the city
Basking in the sun in front of the snow-capped mountains, listening to the babbling sound of the stream
The whole person is relaxed to the extreme
The weather in western Sichuan begins to cool down in September
Sisters who travel during the National Day holiday, remember to bring a thick coat!!
Today's mountain system outfit comes from Decathlon, the lining of the storm jacket is down, which is really friendly to the large temperature difference in western Sichuan in the morning and evening! The windproof and waterproof effect of the storm jacket is also very good, not worried about the sudden rain at all!
Walk along this route again
The scenery encountered is unique
Looking forward to the next destination!
JAIDEN PITTMAN
318 Sichuan-Tibet Line complete guide, recommended for likes and collection
Detailed guide to the attractions of the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Line. Here is a supplement to the 318 attractions guide
🌈Seasonal attractions
🌲March-April, see peach blossoms in Nyingchi
⛰️May-June, see snow-capped mountains, lakes and grasslands
🌸July-August, see wildflowers all over the mountains, picturesque scenery, every shot is a wallpaper
🌿September-October, see autumn leaves dye the mountains red
🏔️November-February, is the off-season of the Sichuan-Tibet Line every year, fewer people, cheaper hotels
🚗About carpooling
🚙You can carpool off-road vehicles on the Sichuan-Tibet Line: domestic off-road, Prado, Highlander, Wrangler, Land Cruiser, etc. (more suitable for restless young people)
🚚You can also carpool business vehicles: 7-seater Buick business, 9-seater Ford business (more suitable for children, the elderly and business people to travel)
🚙About chartered cars
If the number of people is more than 4, you must charter a car separately, not crowded with others, and the price is more affordable (there are a lot of choices for car models, you can use any car you want, and the route can be customized, you can add any attractions you want)
Sichuan-Tibet Highway
LunariaVeridian567}
Ranwu Lake: A stunning lake you can't miss
If you come to Tibet, you must visit Ranwu Lake! Ranwu Lake is a must-see spot on the 318 Sichuan-Tibet line. Every frame shot here is a masterpiece.
The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the water is crystal clear
It's as beautiful as an emerald
Snowflakes fall on the pine trees by the lake, it's dreamy and incredibly beautiful. It's quiet all around
There's no wind to disturb
It makes you completely forget the passage of time
🎫Ticket: Free
Altitude: 3850m
Best viewing season:
Winter, around December to March, is the most beautiful viewing season for Ranwu Lake. At this time, the lake presents a blue-green color like an emerald, quiet and clear! You can also visit the Laigu Glacier and have a zero-distance contact with the blue ice world.
Ranwu Lake is divided into the upper lake, middle lake, and lower lake
The middle lake is suitable for watching the sunrise, and the lower lake is suitable for watching the sunset
Recommend long focus + aerial photography, if you have a model, choose bright clothes for better photos
It is recommended to stay at Ranwu Lake for one night, if you are lucky, you can see the sunrise on the golden mountain
If you want to go to Ranwu Lake, don't miss this route
Ranwu Lake 5-day tour
D1: Lhasa → Basongtso → Sejila Mountain Pass → Lulang Forest → Lulang International Town
D2: Stroll around Lulang Town → Tongmai Bridge → Laigu Glacier → Ranwu Lake
D3: Essence 318 beautiful section → Gawalong Glacier → Gawalong Temple → Gang Yunsong Forest Hiking
D4: Bomi → Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon → Tibetan costume travel photography → Suosong Village D5: Suosong Village → Namjagbarwa Peak Sunrise → Niyang Scenery → Lhasa
🌟Highlights:
Deep tour around Ranwu Lake, not just a quick look
Immersive play in two glaciers, zero distance touch blue ice v carefully designed low altitude route, not easy to have altitude sickness
Accommodation upgrade: high-quality hotels throughout the journey
Lulang International Town Five-star Hotel
Ranwu Lake View Hotel
Bomi 4 Diamond View Room
Suosong Village View Homestay